Environmental Stewardship
- describe the negative effects of computers and computer use on the environment (e.g., chemicals from electronic waste dumped in landfills – domestic or overseas – leaching into soil and groundwater; unnecessary use of paper; heavy power consumption) and on human health (e.g., effects of exposure to radiation, musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, mental health and behavioural problems created or exacerbated by social isolation);
- identify measures that help reduce the negative effects of computers on the environment (e.g., lab regulations, school policies, corporate policies, provincial policies, paperless workplaces) and on human health (e.g., ergonomic standards);
- describe ways in which computers are or could be used to reduce resource use and to support environmental protection measures (e.g., computer modelling to reduce use of physical resources; interpretation of large amounts of environmental data; management of natural resources; programmable temperature control to reduce energy consumption);
- describe, on the basis of research, how and where recycled electronic waste is processed, and identify local companies and institutions that offer such services.